Nolberto Solano is sweating on his place for tonight's Tyne-Tees derby, with the Newcastle United midfielder hoping it's not another case of awayday agony.

The Peruvian returned to the starting line-up for Saturday's vital 2-1 victory over Chelsea after a three-game absence because of a thigh strain.

But the last time the 28-year-old began a match for United on their travels was the shambolic FA Cup exit at Wolves on January 5.

Since that stinging defeat, Sir Bobby Robson has opted for a less attack-minded midfield away from St James's Park - but while he's continued to select Laurent Robert on the left flank, Solano has seen Brian Kerr and Jermaine Jenas preferred on the right-hand side.

The Geordie boss is still to finalise his team selection for the visit to Middlesbrough, but has admitted there can be no guarantees of a place in the starting 11 for his South American star.

And Solano admitted: "I hope to play tonight as I've not played many games away from home lately.

"I have to show the manager that I can play away from home, just like I did last season.

"I don't know if I will start, but I do know I am available. I've been unlucky with injuries this season, but I'm back to a good level and I want to prove I can play well away from St James's Park.

"We have crucial games coming up and, with everybody fit, the manager has a very big squad to choose from. But what is the right thing for the team is most important."

Victory on Teesside would see Newcastle close the gap on leaders Arsenal to five points, and Solano insists it's crucial the Geordies don't give up on catching the Gunners.

He added: "We need to prove we can win hard games like this one, like Arsenal and Manchester United do.

"We did that against Chelsea, and now we must do it again tonight. We have to try to stay close to Arsenal and Manchester United because you never know what might happen before the end of the season."

Middlesbrough have their own creative South American talent in fit-again Juninho, and Solano is hoping he will be the one smiling after that particular clash.

But having been on Tyneside for almost five years now - and with three years remaining on his current deal - the former Boca Juniors ace says he is fully in tune with the Geordie mentality.

Solano said: "I've loved living in this city and I would love to win something with Newcastle before my time at the club ends.

"I learned my English in Newcastle, and my son Matias was born here, so he is a Geordie!

"It was hard for me when I first came to the club, but I always dreamed of playing in Europe during my career and the English Premiership is one of the greatest competitions in the world.

"The time has passed so fast. I'm one of the oldest players in the squad these days."